Time to Trade in my Size 18 Body - Murrieta, CA

I am 40 years old. In a few months I will be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary with my amazing husband. I have two teenaged boys who are my pride and joy! I own a successful business and employ some of the most supportive, wonderful people on earth. I truly am blessed in my life! We have gone through our hard times but honestly every challenge I have faced has led me to today. I have most everything under control but my weight!

I have recently lost 40lbs on the HCG protocol diet. This has been an easy diet for me because it makes sense to me and I have seen results with myself and my diet buddies! One gal has lost 80lbs since 2011 and looks like a new person. The other 60lbs and looks beautiful. We have all had results we can be proud of! The more I lose the flabbier I look and feel. My stomach has a zip code of it's own. I often wonder how I let myself gain so much to create this little monster. My breasts which were always perky are now trying to join my stomach down south. Last year I was sporting size 38d bra - filling it nicely with great shape but now each pound lost makes them look like empty sacks. My butt and thighs were where I had issue in the past but the stomach has just thrown me over the edge.

I started researching plastic surgery. This was my little secret. All the bodies looked amazing in their before pictures to me! Lol! I would wish for a little muffin top or slight tummy bulge. Two years ago I saw my PS for Botox and we talked about healthy weight loss and how you need to get close to your desired weight goal before having surgery. This made me realize surgery was years away for me. But with my weight loss and sagging body I started my quest again. This time I consulted with a surgeon from Newport Beach, Ca. Her photos showed women who were my size having amazing results. I expected her to tell me to lose 20+ lbs and then maybe I was a mommy makeover candidate. I am currently 218lbs. She said the opposite. She gave me the thumbs up for a two stage program. Tummy tuck and flank lipo followed by breast augmentation and thigh lipo. I was thrilled and shocked and excited! I was ready to get my body back! Being diligent I went for a second opinion and saw the nicest PS ever in La Jolla, Ca. She was willing to do a TT and BA followed by all over lipo in a second surgery. I actually scheduled my first surgery for March 6th. My amazing, supportive and adorable husband freaked out. He was on board (well kind of) with all of this but did not like my surgeon being 70 miles away. So to come full circle I went back to my Murrieta Botox doctor. I just knew he'd say cut 50lbs then he'd consider surgery. He's known in our area as a conservative doctor. Well he gave me the green light and I am scheduled for TT, BA and flank, thigh and knee lipo for February 24th!!! Worst part of all this was canceling with the La Jolla doctor - but I am very happy with my decision. My doctor is only 5 miles from my house. I'm excited and scared but I feel that this will enhance the healthy lifestyle I am now living. I will continue to diet and am ready to excersize! It's now time for me to look on the outside like I feel on the inside!

Friday will be here before I know it! Only worry is that I haven't picked my implant size and type. My ps recommends saline. I've heard such great things about silicone based on feel and look. His reasoning is that I have enough breast tissue for saline. I'd love your opinions of saline vs silicone. I trust him just would love to hear from gals who have implants or are getting them.

Two days before MM! I spoke to my nurse yesterday and confirmed my desire for silicone implants. I haven't paid the extra $1,000 yet so I'm hoping I don't get talked out of it. : )

My EKG and bloodwork all came back normal so as of now all is well. Only issue that came up at my preop last thursday was my blood pressure was high. I had to go on BP medicine. On Monday it was still high so they doubled the dose. I go back Thursday for one last check. Hopefully that will not be an issue. I've read all the q&a's regarding surgery and high BP and feel comfortable.

So thankful for realself! Such a great place to share and learn. hopefully my story can help someone else like all your stories help me!